River City Six – Ben Navarro

Tell us a little about your business.

Xcel Roofing works to provide storm restoration for exteriors. At Xcel, we aim to make it as simple as possible for our clients by handling everything for them, from A-Z. We draw on decades of experience and knowledge to maintain a good reputation and strong legacy of service.

How did you get started in the business?

I worked with life/property/tragedy insurance for five years and then got my degree in business administration and accounting. After that, I met Matt Preister, owner of Xcel Roofing. I’ve worked for him for the last three years!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Learning when to say “no” and/or recognize when a project is out of my league. While that doesn’t happen often, there are times when I’ve had to realize that it is in the client’s best interest to suggest someone different.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Being a part of the collaborative effort to grow the Xcel Roofing team! We just won the BBB Integrity Award this month, which is really exciting.

Tell us a little about your family.

I was raised by my parents who have been married for 30 years. They both are Mexican immigrants who came to the U.S. in the 1980’s and they’ve worked hard to provide a good life for me and my two younger siblings. A lot of my core values come from how I was raised.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Transitioning from insurance to the roofing industry. It’s different work, but I found my niche and I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Playing poker; I grew up watching poker tournaments on TV.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I truly care about how my customers perceive me even after the job is done. I love to build relationships.

Who inspires you?

My mom. She grew up in severe poverty and works harder than anyone I know.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I once heard someone say that “97% of the people who give up early are employed by the 3% who never gave up.” That really stuck with me.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Honest.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I was a better golfer.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Xcel sponsors Rhonda’s Burpee Challenge – Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force. My mom’s brother died from colon cancer, so it’s a topic that has touched my family and I feel strongly about bringing awareness to it.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

“The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” written by Alice Schroeder.